The positive energy was electric, with amazing people from Perth, interstate and overseas in attendance. The pitches, panels, talks and networking events were vibrant and interesting.

I love conferences like this where it feels like I’m back at university learning new things and seeing people turn their ideas into action.

I wish I took more notes on my phone, here are a few points I captured and observed (my apologies for not recording the sources of the quotes):

🚀 AI and Data

As we are “move from the attention economy to the data economy” we are there is huge structural change occurring, as it is with AI, at an exponential rate. This is proving to be a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs.

• “How to better understand AI? Every major player has launched an AI tool; play with them. Get a feel for what they can do. Explore, try.”

• “If you say you work in mining in Silicon Valley people will think you work in bitcoin mining.”

• “Perth needs more GPU clusters.”

• “Knowledge is an huge advantage in a fast moving wave.”

• “AI (also known as alien intelligence haha).”

• “Zillions of processing elements.”

• “More electricity is needed for data centres globally. We have energy at low cost here.”

• “We cater for data paranoia.”

💸 Venture Capital

The Reverse Pitch at Freo Start Up Fest was a great idea and showcased the increasing interest and diversity of funding options from VC’s. Now that WA has a proven track record of successful ventures (e.g. Canva), confidence is building.

• $150M in new venture capital to go into startups in WA.

• “Find the right fund and person. Pitch call timing matters, including which month of the year. Rapport matters. Bring the vibe!”

🌱 Climate/Green/Ocean Tech

The setting at Coast Port Beach was my favourite venue to attend at WTF. The sound of the waves and the cool sea breeze helped with creating a positive vibe.

• “This isn’t just about ecosystems, our oceans are in crisis.”

• “Our oceans are degrading at an exponential rate.”

• “Australians are on average buying 56 items of clothing each year.”

🧬 Health Tech

• “Diet and exercise is the main medicine you can take for your health and maintaining good mental function. Treat the major risk factors that can make your life shorter.”

• “In the US, 66% of bankruptcy is from healthcare bills.”

• “People are having a longer life span but not a longer health span.”

• “AI is enabling precision medicine with quick and accurate diagnosis.”

💡 Startups in Western Australia

• “Perth is great for startups because you can be a big fish in a small pond. Our isolation is also a benefit. You can get involved here.”

• “The determination to keep going is what sets Founders apart.”

• “What is your ideal customer profile? Be clear on that.”

 ⚡ WTF: A Catalyst for Tech and Venture Capital in Western Australia

Returning to Perth in 2007, after being an executive search consultant in the US and UK, I found the local tech and biotech ecosystem was too small to support my career aspirations.  Fast forward to 2024 and it’s amazing to see how far WA has come. The convergence of business and tech is driving growth, including mining and ag tech, and events like WTF are catalysing this.

Well done and thank you to the organisers, including Larry Lopez, Paula Taylor, Bill Tai, Rohan McDougall, Danelle Cross, Kali Norman, Sarah Kahle, Tamara Cook (sorry if I missed someone’s name). With support from the team at @Curtin University and the friendly volunteers. You’re helping create a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs here in WA.

It was awesome to meet/see/catch up with so many people across the five days including Jemma Iles, Kathryn Granheim, Isis Nair, Lisa Longman, Cheryl Mack, Cheryl Frame, Charlie Gunningham, Greg Riebe, Kent Matla, Louise Mansell, Amelia Harray, Maya, Bethan Winn, Josh Van Ross, Jaynaya winmar, Silvia Lozeva, Rob Davies, Rob Nathan, Josephine Tay, Marcus Christian, Elizabeth Knight, Ash Kirvan, Alastair Haldane, Jess Gomes, Andrew Middleton, Kay Foss, Peter Ratcliff, Ming Fung Chua, Andrew Outhwaite, Eric Henson, Lynda Neoh, Intan Oldakowska, Brett Kuprel, Soha, Adriana Nunez-Picado, Larry Hirsch, Graeme Paterson, Matthew Cronin,  Kali Balint, Tim Green and others.

Next year’s dates are 📅  8-12 Dec 2025, I hope to see you there!